A welder is one of the most sought-after professionals on the German construction and industrial job market. However, in order to be able to legally and without obstacles take up employment abroad, it is necessary to meet specific formal requirements. The overriding issue here is the welding qualifications recognized in Germany. Their form, type and validity must comply with the standards in force in Germany.

Also read: Work for a plumber in Germany – what is worth knowing?

Table of contents:


The German labor market for welders – high requirements, attractive conditions


For many years, Germany has been struggling with a shortage of qualified employees in the welding industry. For Polish specialists, this is a huge opportunity – especially since hourly rates for welders in Germany can range from 16 to 22 euros gross per hour, depending on the welding method, location, language and project.

However, in order to start work, it is necessary to present valid certificates confirming professional qualifications in accordance with German requirements. And here comes the first key topic – compliance of welding qualifications with the standards in force in Germany.

What welding qualifications are recognized in Germany?


In Poland, the most common are those issued by the Office of Technical Inspection (UDT). In Germany, on the other hand, certificates issued by TÜV, a German institution controlling technical safety, dominate. Although both systems operate on the basis of international standards, they are not always automatically equivalent.

The ISO 9606-1 standard is of fundamental importance here, which specifies the qualification requirements for welders performing manual or semi-automatic welded joints in various processes (MAG, MMA, TIG). A certificate compliant with ISO 9606-1 is a document recognized throughout the European Union, including by German employers. That is why it is currently most often required when recruiting for work in Germany.

Importantly, UDT certificates are currently issued in accordance with this standard, which opens the way to work abroad. Nevertheless, some companies in Germany still require current welding tests carried out under the supervision of TÜV or DVS (Deutscher Verband für Schweißen). Especially for more advanced projects, e.g. in the energy sector, petrochemicals or the assembly of pressure pipelines.

Welding qualifications. Is a Polish UDT certificate enough?

In many cases – no. The UDT certificate can be a starting point, but in practice it is often necessary to:

  • provide a translation of the qualifications into German or English,
  • obtain a new welding exam in Germany, e.g. before a TÜV or DEKRA inspector,
  • confirm qualifications in accordance with the ISO 9606-1 standard, which applies throughout the European Union.


ISO 9606-1 – a European standard that opens the door to work


As mentioned above, the most important standard regulating the qualifications of welders in Germany (and the entire EU) is ISO 9606-1. It specifies the rules for examining steel welders. This standard replaced many national standards (including the German DIN and partially the Polish PN), creating a coherent system for assessing competences.

The ISO 9606-1 exam includes a practical welding sample, which is assessed in terms of quality of workmanship, compliance with technological parameters and possible defects. The ISO 9606-1 certificate issued by a notified body (e.g. TÜV, DEKRA, SLV) is the most desirable document for a German employer. In addition, it is worth noting that:

  • this certificate is usually valid for 3 years, provided that the welder regularly performs orders using a given method,
  • periodic confirmations (so-called extension of validity) are required, often after 6 months, signed by a quality inspector or foreman,
  • the ISO 9606-1 certificate should contain information about the welding method (e.g. 135 – MAG, 141 – TIG, 111 – MMA), welding position, type of material and thickness.

Summary


A welder from Poland planning to work in Germany should make sure to have current ISO 9606-1 certificates, preferably issued by a notified body. In addition, if necessary – be ready to undergo TÜV tests.

Those interested in job offers in the welding industry can use the dedicated constrAction.app platform, which connects experienced professionals with German employers and simplifies the entire recruitment process.